In their beginning they are weak and wan,
But soon, through sufferance, grow to fearful end.
Spenser.

Somewhiles by sufferance, and somewhiles by special leave and favor, they erected to themselves oratories.
Hooker.

6.

A permission granted by the customs authorities for the shipment of goods.

[Eng.]

Estate of sufferanceLaw, the holding by a tenant who came in by a lawful title, but remains, after his right has expired, without positive leave of the owner. Blackstone. -- On sufferance, by mere toleration; as, to remain in a house on sufferance.